A for Almonds Almonds regulate blood pressure. Almonds reduces risk of heart disease- they lower bad cholesterol, maintains healthy cholesterol, protect artery wall damage. Almonds help brain development, prevent Alzheimer’s disease- they contain folic acid. Almonds reduce risk of diabetes – they regulate rise of insulin and glucose after meals. Almonds prevent osteoporosis, improves bone health- they contain phosphorous. Almonds, prevents constipation-they have fiber. Almonds helps weight loss-they have mono-unsaturated fat which satisfies appetite, prevents over-eating. Almonds help in energy production-they contain manganese, copper and Riboflavin. Almonds boost immune system. Almonds lower risk of colon cancer. Almonds nourish and improve skin complexion- they have Vitamin E.
CAUTION– EAT IN MODERATION AND AVOID ALMONDS IF YOU HAVE NUT ALLERGIES, KIDNEY OR GALLBLADDER PROBLEMS A for AVOCADOS Avocado is technically a fruit. Many people avoid Avocados thinking they are fattening. In fact, Avocados help weight loss as (they contain only healthy fats); they are high in mono-unsaturated fat and also have fiber, which helps you feel full longer. Avocados are an unexpected source of protein for vegetarians! (1.9 gm of protein) Avocados reduce blood pressure (a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure)-they contain a very high level of potassium, even more than bananas, they balance the potassium to sodium ratio important vital for the functioning of the kidney. Avocados lower cardiovascular diseases- they are loaded with a high, heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids- oleic acid, which reduce the bad LDL cholesterol, increase the HDL cholesterol. Avocados help blood glucose levels, especially for diabetic patients. Avocados help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis- they have anti-inflammatory properties. Avocados are good for eye health, they lower the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts- they have antioxidants like Lutein and Zeaxanthin. Avocados help easy digestion. Avocados protect liver from damage and ailments. Avocados maintain healthy skin, hair. Avocados help treat vitamin K deficiency related bleeding. Avocados are excellent for overall health – they are very rich in various essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. They also have anti-ageing and anti-cancer as they are loaded with antioxidants. Avocados are best eaten raw- wash, peel, de-seed and have as a snack, in salads or in your sandwich. CAUTION– Avocados may cause migraines in some people.
Pan baked eggs/ BhuznaBoiled egg bhurjiOmelette curry
This article was first published on Women’s Web
What was the first thing that you tried making when you learned how to cook? Probably an egg?
Packed with protein, vitamins and minerals, eggs are one of the easiest ingredients to ‘play around with’ in the kitchen. They are very versatile and can be cooked to please the pickiest of palates, and most importantly, the Indian palates, giving many wonderful Indian egg recipes.
Whether you have a picky egg-eater in the family or have grown weary with the crack, whisk and scramble routine; these desi ‘scrambling’ methods will make eggs more exciting to cook and more enjoyable to eat. So, lets get cracking!
If I had 6 chairs on my dining table,I would invite 6 celebrity chefs/food lovers to join me for a pot luck dinner!I would request each one to bring their one signature dish 🙂
Here are the invitees!
The original master chef of India, the well renowned chef,Sanjeev Kapoor! It would be great to share a meal and conversation with someone who has take Indian cuisine to a new level, besides inspiring and setting an example for thousands of other budding chefs in India. It should be such a memorable experience for everyone at the table,to hear about his vast culinary knowledge,experience and expert tips.
Two household names,food enthusiasts and critics,Rocky Singh and Mayur Sharma! No one better to co-ordinate the dinner menu,take hold of the conversation, than these two men with their energetic, witty and chatty style.
The most entertaining and enthusiastic Punjabi chef on Indian television,chef Harpal Singh!There won’t be a dull moment with such a jolly and humorous person at the table. I would tell him how much I have enjoyed watching his shows, his fusion food recipes and have even tried cooking a couple of his wonderful recipes.
Wouldn’t it be great to have one celebrity chef from across the continent? The famous British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver would be the next choice; to sample his typical healthy and delicious British cuisine. We have watched him make Indian cuisine on his show and I would love to know what he thinks about our desi food.
The dining table would feel so incomplete without a woman chef.So,last,but not the least,I would love to have the bubbly and beautiful anchor of the show “Mumy Ka Magic”- the lovely Amrita Raichand! I would tell her how much I like her presentation style and also her dressing style!
Each of these celebrities will bring their own unique taste and distinctive style. This will be a great chance not just to taste their food but to have their opinion about my cooking. I am still wondering what I should make for them. Do you have any suggestions?
Simple things can give us the most pleasure! Having a hearty home cooked meal is one of them. Can there there be anything more pleasurable and comforting than coming home to a hot meal made by Mum?
I want to share my Mums mouth watering fish curry curry recipe which is one of my favourites.This recipe comes from Coastal Maharashtra( Konkan-famous for its fish dishes)
Here are the Ingredients:
King fish- 1 kilo. You can get adventurous and try mackerel,pomfret or salmon instead.
Make a fine paste with:
2 tbsp coriander seeds
1 tbsp fennel seeds
4-5 garlic cloves
1 medium sized onion
A bit of turmeric
Red chilli powder- My mum likes it hot and spicy.You can adjust the spice level according to your preference.Put this paste aside.
Now,make some fresh coconut paste . You can use dry coconut instead,soaked in water overnight.
Simple things can give us the most pleasure! Having a hearty home cooked meal is one of them. Can there be anything more pleasurable and comforting than coming home to a hot meal made by Mum?
I want to share my Mums mouth watering fish curry curry recipe which is one of my favourites.This recipe comes from Coastal Maharashtra( Konkan-famous for its fish dishes)
Serves 4
Here are the Ingredients:
King fish- A kilo. You can get adventurous and try mackerel,pomfret or salmon instead.
Make a fine paste with:
2 tbsp coriander seeds
1 tbsp fennel seeds
4-5 garlic cloves
1 medium sized onion
A bit of turmeric
Red chilli powder- My mum likes it hot and spicy.You can adjust the spice level according to your preference.Put this paste aside.
Now,make some fresh coconut paste . You can use dry coconut instead,soaked in water overnight.
Soak some kokum(amsul)in water- about 2-4 depending on how much fish you use using and as per your taste.
Cooking Method:
Heat some oil in a pan. Add the first paste.Sauté a few minutes. Add all the fish pieces, then some water(add little if you want a thick curry) and gradually bring to a boil. Add the coconut paste,kokum (along with its water) and some salt.Garnish with coriander.
Serve hot and enjoy with rice or chapatis.
My mum’s side of the family has some wonderful cooks – starting with my grandmother, aunt and even uncles! Each one having their own unique style and distinctive taste. This is just ‘one’ of those many lip smacking dishes.It will finish in no time, leaving you wanting for more!
Do you like snow? I definitely do. Have you been dreaming about it? I have grown up not just dreaming but obsessing about snowfall. I always imagined what it would actually look like, what the freezing temperature would feel like, which place on earth I would see it in and whether I would ever see it at all.
Whenever I watched scenes/songs from old iconic Shammi Kapoor movies (which showed the movie stars sliding down snow capped mountains) or movies filmed in the scenic Swiss Alps it would set me dreaming. Would I see snow in India? Would it be Shimla or Kashmir? I dreamed of going to Switzerland like so many Indians do. Would that ‘magical’moment ever arrive?
It did. I was visiting London in winter. I would check the weather forecast every single morning on T.V. I met a few Londoners and would ask them whether it would snow that year. They would be very surprised that I hadn’t seen snow. I forgot to tell them that in my country it only snows in the northern parts where I haven’t been. They said it didn’t always snow in London and like every year they were hoping for a white Christmas. I even asked them what the sky would look like. They said it would look dark, dreary and leady, just before. They got just as excited for me.
It was nearing the end of November and the temperature started to dip towards freezing point. I would keep looking at the sky, the clouds. Did they look leady? There were times when everything got still, quiet and dark. It looked like it would snow any minute, but it didn’t.
November 29 2010, 3.00 a.m..
I was fast asleep. I heard my father calling out and say something incredible. Bleary eyed, I jumped out of bed, walked towards the window and looked outside. In the stillness of the dark, gloomy winter night and the silence of the streets; illuminated by the dim street lights was a whitish glow all around. I rubbed and blinked my eyes in disbelief. No, I wasn’t seeing things and I wasn’t dreaming this. It was a dream come true. It was a sight I will never forget.
It had snowed, not a lot, but just enough. At that unearthly hour, we got out our warmest clothes, went down the staircase and stepped out of the house to play. The snow crunched a little under our feet. When I picked it up,it felt a bit warm at first(not cold as I had anticipated)and then my hands started to freeze.
More snow followed in December. It was a miraculous moment, to wake up and see this spectacle from our bedroom windows. The snowflakes looked so dainty and pretty as they fell. They had already buried the roof and the road with what looked like scoops of vanilla ice-cream. I couldn’t get my eyes of this startling sight- it was so surreal. Imagine being treated to this sight just after waking up.
Enchanting isn’t it?
Later while on a walk, we had only just reached the end of the street and there was a sudden surprise. It felt like we were being hit by something. Was it someone playing mischief and throwing snowballs at us? That someone was actually a snowstorm! We were hit by a snowstorm. Armed with our umbrellas, we shielded ourselves. Although it was a short but heavy snow flurry, it was something special and delightful. We hurried back home and we had a most marvelous time playing outside. Those moments made the wait worth it.
While it looks beautiful as it snows and just after it snows, it’s when it starts to melt and turns into ice that it can be a bit dangerous- it gets slippery to walk and drive on.
The following days was all about wrapping up in coats and scarves, wearing boots and going for walks in the chilly weather;walking past bakeries to the heavenly smell of freshly baked bread and goodies, shivering and walking into the warm cafes, to have hot chocolate/ cinnamon latte, donuts, sandwiches, pretzels etc.
It was fun going to see the Christmas lights and displays, heading early morning for the Christmas sales and the fantastic Christmas markets- enjoying the many rides, listening to Christmas songs and gorging on warm festive food like Bratwurst sausages, crepes, churros, chestnuts and mulled wine.
Crepes
It was great watching people skate on the ice rinks (and wishing I could too ) and meeting Santa in his grotto. Later at home, we built a snowman(it wasn’t as easy as I had thought) and baked some turnips.
Right now here in India I feel baked, toasted and roasted.It’s summer and it is sweltering hot! I am longing for some cool climate. If it’s snowing in your part of the world, do parcel and send me some snow here 😉
Food, is one of my favorite topics!I was wondering if I should write about some fantastic dining experiences.How about exotic/gourmet food? I even thought of scrumptious snacks and home cooked food. It was hard to pick a favorite – there are so many. I then decided to write about the ones which have some memorable experiences attached to them. Each one with some kind of a ‘story’ behind it. So, in random order,let’s begin.
1.Laksa–
Tofu chunks
Tofu and other food items
This spicy, lip smacking, coconut based curried, noodle soup tops my list of the ultimate comfort food I have ever had.
My sister and I have shared Laksa on more than one occasion. One day, famished at the end of a long session of grocery shopping, we headed straight to the Laksa counter. The hot humid Singapore heat had given way to a drizzle along with a lovely cool breeze- it was just the right weather for Laksa. After ordering and getting our customized bowl, we sat and we began attacking our huge bowl of Laksa!
We slurped the thick rice noodles, we gulped the floating deep fried succulent chunks of tofu puffs (filled with an assortment of vegetables) and we relished every drop of the curry which was so hot- it made us pant and it made our eyes and nose water.
In between mouthfuls, we sipped sugarcane juice (with ginger and lemon) and listened to the pitter-patter of the rain. We sure savored this one. The taste still lingers in my mouth (or is it mind)
2.Kopi and Kaya toast–
Kaya toast
Kopi
I was not so keen to try this one. But, after hearing so much about this well known staple Singapore breakfast, I wanted to try it. So, one morning I went out with my family and got all set for this breakfast. We sat down with a tray which had a plate of two warm and crispy bread slices toasted just right.Slathered in between the toast was a generous layer of soft butter and a smear of sweet-smelling kaya jam (Malaysian coconut, egg jam). There was also a bowl with two soft boiled eggs and a cup of kopi( black coffee) .
We broke the egg shells, poured the soft boiled eggs into a dish and seasoned it with soy sauce and pepper. We then dipped the kaya toast into it( l am not so fond of half boiled eggs,so the next time I opted for hard boiled ones) We had sips of kopi in between bites. I really enjoyed this simple and delectable breakfast treat.
3.Fish and chips– I had been dying to have this well-known English meal for long. During a visit to England, we drove to a famous place which served them and alas-it had shutdown.
The place where we stayed, whenever we walked/ drove down a road, there was a familiar sight every afternoon outside some eateries- school children hanging out after school hours, having either hot chips or hot fried chicken. I always drooled over it 🙂 One of the places there served fish n chips, but somehow we never went there.
Later,while on a sightseeing trip (it was the peak of winter) I finally got a taste of it. It was cold, almost freezing. The weather was just right for this meal. With our takeaway food parcel, we sat on a bench outside (it was icy cold). We unwrapped the brown paper and out came the light, golden and beautifully fried crispy fish. It wasn’t greasy at all. The chips (with a dash of salt, pepper and vinegar) made a perfect combination with the fish. We spread the tartar sauce all over the fish and squeezed some lemon- it was simply divine and delicious.It was the best fish and chips that I have ever had.
4.Dal dhokli – As a child, one afternoon I went to my friend’s house. It was pouring outside. I knocked on their door, someone opened it and what did I see? The children and their father were seated on the floor in a circle with one big plate of piping hot yummy Dal dhokli (dish made with lentils and savory dumplings). It had ghee and lemon juice sprinkled on it. It is one sight I will never forget. Till today, I have not tasted this famed Gujrati dish.
I was lucky to taste their other specialty- the rotlas (flatbread made with jowar/bajra). Hot and straight off the coal stove, drizzling with ghee and red chutney spread all over it.
5. Sukat(dried fish) chutney- The housemaid always welcomed all in her cozy house, anytime. She also offered to share their meal. One day, late evening I went to her house. There she was, making chapattis on her choola (native cooking wood fire in India). I was never fond of dried fish. But when I opened and smelled the container in which she had prepared her typical, authentic, flaming red chutney I could not control myself. I grabbed a chapatti, spread the chutney onto it and before she could say anything I ate it!( that was so naughty)
6.Batata wadas with thecha– This was a long time ago. Near our grandfather’s home, there was this place where we got very tasty batata wadas. One day, the maid was requested to go and buy these .An order was given for four dozen wadas (as there were plenty of people). Just after the housemaid got back with the piping hot, mouth watering batata wadas, some guests (women) arrived, unexpectedly.The ladies in the house had to attend to them.
After waiting only a few minutes, the men(there were three) did not want to wait any longer. They decided to have their share of it. They had their share, and after a while when they saw that the guests did not show any sign of leaving, they thought why not eat a few more? The wadas were getting cold (the ladies can order more later)
So, they had a few more. They were so yummy that soon the wadas started to disappear; one by one. Between the three of them they managed to polish off four dozen wadas!Along with it they finished the fiery thecha ((spicy condiment made with green chilies) as well. One can only imagine how furious the ladies were when they found out.
7.Onion biscuits– These delectable biscuits from the US were securely kept by my grandfather in his cupboard. Occasionally he would share these with us. He would carefully removed the biscuit box and ration these out (1 or 2 max) to us kids. How we loved those biscuits! All these years, I have searched for those particular onion biscuits- in India and overseas, but have not come across them anywhere.
8. Barbeque nation–
This is one place which has never failed to disappoint me-right from the service, the quality, quantity and selection of barbeque food. Till date, I have visited this place about 6 or 7 times. It must have been my 5 visit. The round of appetizers kept coming . I ate until I could eat no more.
After a brief break, I surprised myself- I started again, this time even more. How could I eat when I was feeling so full? There was no way I could go on to the main course-I was bursting.
I took a long break, took a stroll and felt better. I then went to ‘have a look’ at the main course buffet. I thought, I should try just a spoonful of everything. I managed to taste (and waste).
Now, how could I leave without tasting the desserts? So, one more break I was back with a plate(I shared it). I found it hard get up, walk and breathe! I left vowing never to return. But, I did and never again have I eaten like that again (or want to)
Then there is my ‘pizza story’ and many more but I’ll leave the rest for another time. I hope you have enjoyed reading this one. Do share your food experiences with me.
It’s Holi and I thought of taking this opportunity to share about the couple of occasions that I have enjoyed this festival when I was small.
I must have been about seven or eight years old. I had no idea about the significance of this festival. On the day of Holi, I recall waking up to loud shrieks, chatter and laughter of kids throwing colored water balloons from their balconies at family, friends and strangers alike. With such an animated and upbeat atmosphere, how could anyone be left behind? Me and my sister quickly got ready( old clothes) and with our gear-water balloons, pichkari(a long syringe like sprayer used to spray color), we stepped out.
There was fun and excitement all over. Everyone(including adults) was at their mischievous best. There were clouds of the most vibrant colors everywhere. Kids were chasing each other with color-round and round the playground, up and down the staircase and even the elevator! Black somehow was the most unfavorable color.
People were squirting colored water on each other . There was yelling and screaming as people soaked each other with color .No one was spared,not even me. A girl kept chasing me with a bucket full of purple water. I hid and I ran away from her, and she kept following me with her bucket. As I was running barefoot, I stepped on something that pierced and hurt my feet; they were pieces of glass( must have been a broken bottle).
While I was trying to remove those glass pieces, ‘the girl ’flung the purple water all over me. Here I was injured and now soaked with purple water! I continued playing until it was time to go home and have some festive food.
On the other occasion, we were at our grandparents house. We saw our neighboring friends having fun with color ( in pajamas). We watched them play and seeing their enthusiasm, we could not resist.
We ran and joined them- at their place first and then they came over.While at our place, I saw our maids daughter came out of her house after a bath, looking neat and clean. As soon as the others saw her, they pounced on her and splattered her with gulal( colored powder).
An earthen pot( with water) nearby was her savior. She giggled and she splashed water on herself .In a instant more color was applied and she washed it off again. The next thing? Colored water was poured on her head! The coloring, giggling and color washing went on for a long time. All this was so hilarious to watch.
I am also tempted to add about the great time we had with plain water outdoors.My cousins from America were visiting our grandparents ( while we were there too). It wasn’t a festival day like Holi. There was an outdoor wash area next-door and we decided to have some fun by sprinkling and splashing water on one another. Very soon a garden hosepipe came out and everyone went wild with the water.
My cousin sister went back home to get her camera. We took some ‘grand’ poses for pictures. Everybody got splashed but it was my cousin brother whose clothes got drenched and none of us realized that . At the end of all the fun and frolic, he began to cry. All of us were afraid. Someone quickly got him changed and one of us began ironing his clothes, but they would not dry. Wearing those half drenched clothes, he went back home howling. While we escaped,my poor cousin sister got a big scolding .
All this writing ( was also listening to some famous Hindi movies Holi songs on the radio) has made me hungry! I could do with some warm puranpolis (A Maharashtrain sweet delicacy )with a generous drizzle of melted ghee and cold milk. Along with it, some piping hot rice with Katachi Aamti ( which is a type of seasoned dal made by using leftover water from boiled Chana Dal) would make a great accompaniment . To everyone who celebrates Holi wish you a very Happy Holi. Enjoy!
I was about ten when I learned to ride a bicycle. After several futile attempts earlier (with help) I decided I was going to learn to ride without anyone’s help. One fine day, I asked my neighbouring friend for company (who was struggling as well). I told her of my plan to hire and ride a bicycle in three hours! Yes,three hours was going to be our dedicated deadline.
So, off we went jingling our pocket money. We came back with our hired bikes( which by the way were rusty and rickety). We decided that her place was perfect to accomplish our task; there was ample space around her garden as well as good outdoor tiling. So, with her at one end and me at the other end of the garden; with one eye on our cycles and one on our wrist watch, we began!
We stood athwart the bicycles, held on tight to the handlebars and then heaved ourselves onto our seats (too high for us). We slipped, heaved back and then slipped again. We held harder, and then after a few kicks in the air, pushed down the pedal. We tried not to fall off, we tried to pedal and we tried our best to balance all at the same time. We kept skidding down the seats again and again.
At times we managed to pedal, but just a bit; lost our balance and regained it. We went left, right, zig zag, we went forward and wayward. We panted, puffed and perspired. We egged each other when felt like giving up. We were in tears but refused to give up. Those three hours meant everything to us.
No one had told or forced us to do this. We had simply challenged ourselves. Those three hours were ticking by and we were exhausted with this self imposed ordeal. Yet, without a single break, we continued the nonstop drill of heaving,slipping, pedalling and falling.
Our efforts were slowly beginning to bear fruit. We found ourselves pedalling a little distance. That was encouraging enough. We managed to smile but just a little. Although fatigue had set in, we kept at it.
Three hours were almost up and we did not realize that. We were too busy and too determined with the last hurdle- to keep pedalling/cycling for as long as possible. We gradually found that happening.
I could not believe it when I suddenly found myself and also saw my friend cycling away. All those hours suddenly seemed worth it.Our resolve had paid off .We returned our bicycles and got back home moaning, groaning and complaining; but also very pleased and happy with ourselves. Our hands, legs and particularly our palms felt very sore.(after gripping the handles so hard) .
We continued our practice (turning) in the days that followed.We were still beginners and one day while cycling I saw my friends sister bike learning all by herself (we must have inspired her). She was on her bike in a narrow gap in the garden using the tree as her aid. I came cycling all fast and furious. I thought I get past her in the narrow lane. I could not control the speed, gave a warning cry to move and knocked her down!
She caught hold of the tree and went down with it into the bushes. We laughed a lot, she got up and she carried on. I don’t know if she learned to cycle after that. I am not even sure if they remember this. If you’ll are reading this, I hope you remember this memory is for you and about you 😉
cuteteddybears21 